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Arcidiacono, Villanova defeat NJIT 70-60

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP)—Ryan Arcidiacono scored 17 points as Villanova
overcame struggles from the field in a 70-60 victory over New Jersey Institute
of Technology on Friday night.

It was the final nonconference game for Villanova (9-4), which opens Big
East play next Wednesday by hosting St. John’s.

Darrun Hilliard had 12 points and JayVaughn Pinkston and Maurice Sutton had
10 apiece for the Wildcats, who won their fifth straight.

Villanova shot just 30.8 percent (20 of 65) from the field, including 5 of
27 3-point attempts.

Ryan Woods had 13 points for NJIT (6-6).

The Highlanders, who began Division I play in 2006-07, were playing their
fourth Big East team this season. NJIT lost its three previous games to St.
John’s, Providence and Seton Hall by a combined 18 points.

NJIT led the Friars 63-62 with 4:17 left and held a 14-point lead over St.
John’s in the first half.

The Wildcats made 25 of 33 free-throw attempts, while NJIT was 8 for 15 from
the line.

Villanova struggled to a five-point halftime lead before appearing to gain
control with a 10-5 run to start the second half, giving it a 42-32 lead with
16:06 remaining.

But NJIT didn’t wilt, outscoring the Wildcats 19-9 over the next 10:12 to
knot the score at 51 with 7:54 left.

Then, Pinkston scored six of the next eight Villanova points to help the
Wildcats reclaim the lead, 59-54, with 4:49 to play. The Wildcats stretched the
margin to seven points when Hilliard converted a fast-break layup after a steal
by Tony Chennault to put Villanova up 65-58 with 1:37 left.